Southern states will not lose seat share: PM Narendra Modi assures in LS

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 17, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday strongly defended the proposed Bills on early implementation of women’s reservation and the constitutional amendment to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats, assuring Parliament that the move will not disturb the proportional representation of states.

Intervening in the Lok Sabha debate, Modi said the expansion of seats would strictly follow existing demographic proportions established during previous delimitation exercises. He sought to allay concerns, particularly from southern and smaller states, that their representation would be reduced.

The Lok Sabha is set to vote on the Bills on Friday, with the Opposition vowing to oppose the legislation, calling it an “attack on democracy.”

Backing the government, Home Minister Amit Shah said the increase in seats would benefit all states proportionately. He explained that Karnataka’s representation, for instance, would rise from 28 to 42 seats, while maintaining nearly the same share in the expanded House.

Shah added that the total strength of southern MPs would rise from 129 to 195, retaining their current percentage share once the Lok Sabha expands to 816 members. He also clarified that elections up to 2029 would continue under the existing seat structure.

Rejecting allegations of gerrymandering raised by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Shah said the exercise was transparent and fair. Earlier, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal introduced the Bills amid Opposition demands for a division vote.

Modi, in a political pitch, reiterated that the delimitation process would not discriminate against any region and invited consensus, even offering a “blank cheque” to those seeking credit for the women’s reservation measure.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties, including those led by Akhilesh Yadav, raised concerns over the lack of sub-quota for OBCs within the proposed women’s reservation.

The Opposition’s 185 votes against the introduction of the Constitution amendment Bill indicate a major hurdle for its passage, as the legislation requires a two-thirds majority—around 360 votes if all members are present—suggesting the government may struggle to secure approval in the Lok Sabha.